While the Phoenix Coyotes are idle as the NHL lockout continues, the Portland Pirates of the AHL are playing, and some of the Coyotes young guns have hit the ice and are off to tremendous starts.
After 18 games, the Pirates are 8-8-1-1 for 18 points and a tie for 10th place in the Eastern Conference. The defense seems to be the culprit for the mediocre start as the Pirates have given up 61 total goals, the most in the conference.
Both goaltenders, Mark Visentin and Chad Johnson, have been under assault. Both are posting over 3.00 goals-against averages and have faced more than 30 shots a game on average. Johnson has been getting most of the playing time (12 games in net) and has posted a 6-5 record with a 3.07 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. The younger Visentin is 2-4-1 in seven games with a 3.18 goals against average and a .901 save percentage.
This article will explore the offensive and defensive players that are off to hot starts for the Pirates and look at their potential to crack the Coyotes roster this upcoming season.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Michael Jenkins
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November 26th, 2012 by Michael Jenkins Leave a reply »
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